Popeyes is one of the most recognized fast-food chains in the world. Known for its spicy fried chicken and Louisiana-inspired flavors, many wonder who owns Popeyes and what companies are behind its operations. Let’s explore the brand, its ownership, financial value, and more.
Popeyes Profile
Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc. is a popular American fast-food restaurant chain known for its southern-style fried chicken, biscuits, and signature sides. It was founded in 1972 by Alvin C. Copeland Sr. in Arabi, Louisiana, a suburb of New Orleans. The brand is deeply rooted in the rich culinary traditions of Louisiana, especially its bold Cajun and Creole flavors.
Company Details
- Full Name: Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Inc.
- Founded: 1972
- Founder: Alvin C. Copeland Sr.
- Headquarters: Miami, Florida, USA (moved after RBI acquisition)
- Parent Company: Restaurant Brands International (RBI)
- Employees: Around 3,000 direct employees, plus tens of thousands across franchises
- Business Model: 98% franchise-operated restaurants
- Global Presence: Over 30 countries and growing.
Popeyes Overview
Popeyes started as a small fried chicken outlet named “Chicken on the Run”, but after initial struggles, it was rebranded within a few months as “Popeyes.” The new menu featured spicy New Orleans-style chicken, which quickly gained popularity. It later became known as Popeyes Chicken & Biscuits and eventually adopted its current name, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, in 2008.
The brand operates under a franchise model, with over 4,300 restaurants worldwide as of 2025, located across the United States and in over 30 countries, including India, the UK, Saudi Arabia, and the Philippines.
Major Milestones
- 1972: Popeyes is founded in Louisiana.
- 1976: Begins franchising, helping the brand expand quickly.
- 1983: Popeyes opens its 500th location.
- 1992: Files for bankruptcy due to rapid over-expansion but restructures.
- 2001: Parent company AFC Enterprises acquires Church’s Chicken (later sold in 2004).
- 2008: Rebrands to Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen to emphasize its heritage.
- 2014: Opens 2,000th restaurant.
- 2017: Acquired by Restaurant Brands International (RBI) for $1.8 billion.
- 2020–2024: Rapid global expansion, especially in Asia and Europe.
- 2025: Surpasses 4,300 global locations.
Who Owns Popeyes in 2025?
Popeyes is fully owned by Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), a Canadian-based multinational fast-food holding company. The acquisition was finalized in March 2017, and since then, Popeyes has operated as one of RBI’s core restaurant brands alongside Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Firehouse Subs.
Here’s a quick summary of who owns Popeyes:
- Popeyes: Wholly owned by RBI since 2017
- RBI (Parent Company): Publicly traded under QSR on NYSE/TSX
- Major Shareholder of RBI: 3G Capital (approx. 29%)
- Other Stakeholders: Vanguard, BlackRock, Fidelity, and retail investors.
Parent Company: Restaurant Brands International (RBI)
Restaurant Brands International was formed in 2014 after the merger of Burger King and Tim Hortons. It is headquartered in Toronto, Canada, but many of its operations, including those of Popeyes, are managed from Miami, Florida.
RBI is publicly traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) and the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX) under the ticker symbol QSR. It follows a franchise-heavy model and earns revenue primarily from franchise fees, royalties, and real estate leasing.
Popeyes is one of the fastest-growing brands within RBI’s portfolio, especially in emerging international markets.
Acquisition Insights: RBI Buys Popeyes in 2017
RBI acquired Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen Inc. for $1.8 billion in an all-cash transaction in March 2017. At the time of the acquisition:
- Popeyes had over 2,600 locations globally.
- RBI planned to expand the brand aggressively into international markets using its proven global franchise infrastructure.
- RBI retained Popeyes’ unique brand identity and flavor profile, allowing it to maintain its distinctive positioning in the chicken fast-food market.
This deal allowed RBI to enter the competitive fried chicken segment and diversify beyond burgers and coffee. The acquisition was seen as a strategic move to challenge leaders like KFC, especially in markets outside the U.S.
RBI’s acquisition of Popeyes made business sense for several reasons:
- Growth Potential: Popeyes was underrepresented globally compared to competitors like KFC. RBI’s network helped accelerate international growth.
- Operational Efficiency: RBI applied its experience in scaling operations, streamlining supply chains, and boosting profitability across its brands.
- Franchise Synergy: Popeyes, being primarily franchise-operated, fit RBI’s asset-light model, minimizing operational risks.
Structure and Control Post-Acquisition
After the acquisition:
- Popeyes retained its own brand leadership, reporting to RBI’s senior management.
- Decisions on expansion, technology, product innovation, and marketing are coordinated between RBI executives and Popeyes’ management.
- RBI holds 100% ownership of Popeyes, making it a wholly owned subsidiary.
Major Shareholders of RBI
While RBI owns Popeyes, it is itself majority-influenced by 3G Capital, a global investment firm based in Brazil and the U.S. 3G Capital was a founding partner of RBI and remains its largest shareholder, with around 29% ownership.
Other large shareholders of RBI include major institutional investors like:
These investors hold smaller but significant shares and influence through board voting rights and stock performance metrics.
Who is the CEO of Popeyes?
As of 2025, Jeff Klein serves as the President of Popeyes U.S. and Canada. He assumed this role in March 2024, succeeding Sami Siddiqui, who transitioned to the position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Restaurant Brands International (RBI), the parent company of Popeyes.
Jeff Klein’s Background
Jeff Klein joined Popeyes in 2022 as the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO), bringing with him over 25 years of experience in marketing and consumer insights. Prior to his tenure at Popeyes, Klein held significant roles, including CMO for Little Caesars Pizza and senior marketing positions at PepsiCo.
His extensive background in brand marketing and consumer engagement positions him to lead Popeyes’ growth and innovation in the U.S. and Canadian markets.
Sami Siddiqui’s Transition to CFO
Sami Siddiqui, after nearly four years as President of Popeyes U.S. and Canada, was appointed as the CFO of RBI in March 2024. During his tenure at Popeyes, Siddiqui oversaw significant growth, including record levels of sales, restaurant expansion, and profitability. His leadership contributed to Popeyes solidifying its position as the second-largest chicken chain in the U.S.
Decision-Making Structure
Popeyes operates under the umbrella of RBI, which employs a decentralized leadership model. Each brand within RBI, including Popeyes, has its own president responsible for day-to-day operations and strategic initiatives. These brand leaders report to the executive team at RBI, ensuring alignment with the company’s overarching goals and strategies.
Past Leadership
Before Sami Siddiqui, the role of President of Popeyes was held by Felipe Athayde, who served from 2019 until his departure in 2020. Athayde’s leadership period was marked by the launch of Popeyes’ highly successful chicken sandwich, which significantly boosted the brand’s popularity and sales.
Net Worth of Popeyes
As of 2025, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is valued at approximately $4 billion, reflecting steady growth from $3.6 billion in 2024 and $3.2 billion in 2023. This valuation encompasses the brand’s global operations, including its extensive franchise network and company-owned outlets.
The table below reflects the net worth of Popeyes for the last 10 years:
| Year | Estimated Net Worth (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 2015 | $1.1 billion | Final years as an independent public company |
| 2016 | $1.3 billion | Increased market cap before acquisition |
| 2017 | $1.8 billion | Acquired by RBI for $1.8 billion |
| 2018 | $1.9 billion | Integration into RBI; modest global growth |
| 2019 | $2.1 billion | Boost from Chicken Sandwich launch |
| 2020 | $2.4 billion | Resilient sales during COVID-19 pandemic |
| 2021 | $2.6 billion | Accelerated global expansion |
| 2022 | $2.9 billion | Increased U.S. market share |
| 2023 | $3.2 billion | Growth in international markets (UK, India, Asia) |
| 2024 | $3.6 billion | Record global revenues; profitability improvements |
| 2025 | $4.0 billion (est.) | Continued expansion and profitability push |
Revenue and Profitability
Popeyes’ financial performance has been bolstered by its international expansion and strategic initiatives. In the United Kingdom, for instance, Popeyes UK reported annual sales surpassing £100 million in 2024, a significant increase from £58.1 million in 2023. This growth underscores the brand’s successful market penetration and consumer appeal.
In the United States, Popeyes has focused on enhancing franchisee profitability. The brand’s “Easy to Love” initiative aims to increase average four-wall profitability to $300,000 by the end of 2025, up from $255,000 in 2024.
This strategy involves simplifying operations, upgrading kitchen equipment, and implementing digital tools to improve efficiency and customer experience.
Global Expansion and Market Presence
Popeyes continues to expand its global footprint. As of 2025, the brand operates over 3,700 restaurants worldwide, with a significant presence in North America, Europe, and Asia.
In the UK, Popeyes plans to open 45 new restaurants in 2025, building upon the 33 locations established in the previous year.
In India and neighboring countries, Popeyes’ growth is facilitated through a master franchise agreement with Jubilant FoodWorks Limited, which also operates Domino’s Pizza and Dunkin’ Donuts in the region. This partnership enables Popeyes to leverage local market expertise and infrastructure for expansion.
Parent Company Financials
Popeyes is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a Canadian multinational fast-food holding company. In 2024, the RBI reported total revenue of $8.4 billion, up from just over $7 billion in 2023. The company’s portfolio includes other prominent brands such as Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Firehouse Subs.
RBI’s ownership structure includes a significant stake held by 3G Capital, a Brazilian-American investment firm, which owns approximately 30.8% of the company. This ownership influences strategic decisions and long-term planning across RBI’s brand portfolio, including Popeyes.
Brands Owned by Popeyes
As of 2025, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), and while most of its operations are managed through franchise partnerships, Popeyes directly owns and operates certain entities, sub-brands, and corporate assets.
Below is a breakdown of brands, entities, and business operations owned or controlled by Popeyes:
| Name/Entity | Type | Description | Region Operated | Ownership Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Popeyes U.S. Corporate Restaurants | Company-operated outlets | Directly owned restaurants used as flagship and innovation test locations | United States | Fully owned by Popeyes |
| Popeyes Kitchen Innovation Lab | R&D Facility | Miami-based test kitchen focused on new product development and culinary innovation | United States (Miami) | Fully owned by Popeyes |
| Popeyes Mobile App & Digital Ecosystem | Digital Platform | Proprietary ordering and loyalty system operated under the Popeyes brand | U.S. and Canada | Owned and managed by Popeyes |
| Popeyes Operations Excellence Center | Training Facility | In-house training and certification for staff and franchisees worldwide | United States (HQ and online) | Fully owned by Popeyes |
| Popeyes China | Regional Subsidiary | Popeyes restaurants in China, fully acquired in 2024 and operated by Popeyes directly | Mainland China | Directly owned subsidiary |
| Popeyes Europe (France & Spain) | International Units | Directly operated locations in select European markets without franchise partners | France, Spain | Directly owned locations |
| Popeyes Europe (Germany/Netherlands Test Markets) | Pilot Markets | Test restaurants opened and operated by Popeyes for research and expansion analysis | Germany, Netherlands | Operated by Popeyes |
| Popeyes IP & Trademarks | Intellectual Property | All brand elements, recipes, visual identity, and trademarks registered under Popeyes | Global | Owned and protected legally |
Popeyes U.S. Corporate Restaurants
Popeyes owns and operates a portion of its restaurants in the United States through company-operated stores. These outlets are typically located in key urban markets and serve as flagship locations or innovation test hubs. These corporate-owned restaurants are directly controlled by the Popeyes management team and not franchised.
Popeyes uses these stores to pilot new menu items, digital platforms, and operational models before rolling them out to franchisees.
Popeyes Kitchen Innovation Lab
Popeyes operates a dedicated Kitchen Innovation Lab and test kitchen facility in Miami, Florida. This in-house R&D hub is focused on recipe development, equipment testing, and culinary innovation.
The lab played a major role in the development of the now-iconic Popeyes Chicken Sandwich, which helped redefine the brand’s market position in 2019. As of 2025, the lab continues to develop new products, including plant-based and international menu adaptations.
Popeyes Digital Platforms (U.S. and Canada)
Popeyes has invested in building and managing its proprietary digital ecosystem, including:
- Popeyes Mobile App (iOS/Android)
- Online Ordering Website
- Delivery Integration System
These platforms are developed and maintained in-house in collaboration with RBI’s tech division but branded and operated under the Popeyes name for North American operations. These assets are owned by the Popeyes entity rather than third-party franchises.
Popeyes Training and Operations Center
Popeyes runs its own training academy for franchisees and staff, known as the Popeyes Operations Excellence Center. This entity is directly operated by Popeyes to maintain brand standards, food safety, and customer service training across both domestic and international outlets.
Popeyes International Master Franchises (Certain Markets)
While many global operations are licensed through master franchise agreements, Popeyes has retained direct ownership or operational control in certain markets where no local partner was established or where performance required intervention. As of 2025, this includes:
- Popeyes China (acquired in 2024 and now directly owned)
- Select stores in France and Spain
- Test market restaurants in Germany and the Netherlands
These markets are used for both commercial operations and research purposes, helping Popeyes build a stronger international footprint and collect market-specific insights.
Popeyes IP and Branding Assets
Popeyes retains ownership of several trademarks and intellectual properties, including:
- “Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen” brand
- Signature items like “Chicken Sandwich” (with proprietary formula)
- Custom spice blends and batter mixes
- Visual branding, mascot (Louisiana heritage theme), and digital creative assets
These assets are managed through Popeyes’ legal and brand management departments and are not separately owned by franchisees.
Conclusion
Popeyes, now a global name in the fast-food world, is owned by Restaurant Brands International. The real power behind RBI lies with 3G Capital, which holds the largest stake and helps steer the company’s direction. With a strong CEO and growing global footprint, Popeyes remains a top performer in RBI’s portfolio. Whether you’re enjoying its spicy chicken or watching its expansion, the brand is backed by one of the strongest players in the food industry.
FAQs
Who is the current owner of Popeyes Chicken?
As of 2025, Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a Canadian multinational fast-food holding company headquartered in Toronto.
Which company owns Popeyes?
Popeyes is a subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International (RBI). RBI also owns other major fast-food brands, including Burger King, Tim Hortons, and Firehouse Subs.
Who originally owned Popeyes?
Popeyes was founded by Al Copeland in 1972 in the New Orleans suburb of Arabi, Louisiana. Initially named “Chicken on the Run,” the restaurant was rebranded as Popeyes after a few months.
What celebrity owns Popeyes?
In 2021, rapper Megan Thee Stallion became a Popeyes franchise owner as part of a collaboration that included the launch of her signature “Hottie Sauce.” She is set to open her own Popeyes restaurant in Houston in 2025.
Who did Popeyes sell to?
In 2017, Popeyes was acquired by Restaurant Brands International (RBI) for $1.8 billion. The acquisition was completed on March 27, 2017.
Who is Popeyes Chicken founder?
The founder of Popeyes is Al Copeland, who established the restaurant in 1972. He named it after the character Popeye Doyle from the movie “The French Connection.”
Is Popeyes a private company?
Popeyes is a private company as it is a wholly owned subsidiary of Restaurant Brands International, which is a publicly traded company.
Who owns Popeyes in 2025?
Popeyes is owned by Restaurant Brands International (RBI), a Canadian-based multinational fast-food company.
Is Popeyes publicly traded?
No, Popeyes is not independently traded. It is a fully owned subsidiary of RBI, which is listed on the NYSE and TSX under the ticker QSR.
Who is the largest shareholder of Popeyes?
The largest indirect shareholder is 3G Capital, which holds a major stake in RBI, the parent company of Popeyes.